COMMERCIAL:  

From the Ingles Studio this is The Northwest Georgia News Podcast from the Rome News Tribune, Calhoun Times, Catoosa Walker News, and Polk County Standard. 

Today is Saturday, November 9th and happy birthday to the late Mary Travers 

11.09.24 - BIRTHDAY – MARY TRAVERS*** 

I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty. 

1. New Truck Range Expands Offerings at GNTC 
2. Harris concedes election to Trump, pledges to help him with transition 
3. Gordon County Recognizes Employee Military Veterans 

These stories and more are coming up in today’s edition of the Northwest Georgia News podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  

Commercial: Drake Realty (Northwest Georgia) 

STORY 1:   New Truck Range Expands Offerings at GNTC 

Georgia Northwestern Technical College's Polk County campus unveiled a new commercial truck driving range, enhancing its workforce development programs. The range will support CDL courses, providing hands-on training for students in the economic development CDL program. This addition allows the campus to offer CDL Class B training starting in 2025. GNTC President Heidi Popham highlighted the range's role in equipping students with real-world skills for transportation careers. The project, led by Rochester & Associates and Northwest Georgia Paving Inc., aims to serve more employers and individuals, boosting economic development. Popham thanked stakeholders and partners for their support. 

STORY 2:   Harris concedes election to Trump, pledges to help him with transition 

Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the presidential race to former President Donald Trump at Howard University, emphasizing loyalty to the Constitution and a peaceful transition of power. Despite the election outcome, Harris expressed gratitude and resolve, pledging to assist Trump with the transition. She highlighted the campaign's focus on unity and community building. Harris acknowledged Trump's lead in key swing states, securing over 300 electoral votes. She vowed to continue fighting for freedom and justice, encouraging young people to stay engaged. President Joe Biden also congratulated Trump on his historic political comeback. 

STORY 3:  Gordon County Recognizes Employee Military Veterans 

Gordon County Government recognized military veterans among its employees during a Board of Commissioners meeting. Veterans from various departments, including the Sheriff's Office and Fire and Rescue, were acknowledged. The meeting also addressed zoning issues, approving a controversial rezoning for a new poultry farm near Oakman by a 3-2 vote, despite local concerns. Two other zoning changes were unanimously approved. The commission also set its 2025 meeting schedule. 

Back in a moment 

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STORY 4: 2024-25 Student Advisory Council members announced 

Superintendent Chance Nix and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Melissa Butler held the first Student Advisory Council meeting at the From HERE to CAREER Academy on October 30. The council includes juniors and seniors from the district's three high schools, providing a platform for students to voice concerns and suggestions on issues affecting them. These students also act as ambassadors for the superintendent in their schools. Nix expressed enthusiasm for the new council, highlighting the valuable insights gained from students over the past two years and his eagerness to implement their ideas. 

STORY 5:   Planned Upscale Hotel In North Rome Requests Tax Abatements 

A Tennessee developer is seeking a $2 million Tax Allocation District (TAD) rebate to support mitigation costs for a planned upscale hotel in Rome's Five Points district. Sam Patel, whose company owns the Hampton Inn & Suites in Rome, plans to build a Home2Suites with over 100 rooms. The project depends on TAD approval, which would fund site abatement and demolition. City Manager Sammy Rich explained the TAD operates on a "pay-as-you-go" basis. Tourism Executive Director Lisa Smith emphasized the hotel's importance for local events, as current lodging shortages lead visitors to stay in surrounding areas, impacting local revenue. The application will proceed to the Rome-Floyd County Redevelopment Agency and city commissioners for approval. 

Back in just a moment 

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STORY 6:  Catoosa County Schools Launches Second Community Lighthouse Academy 

Catoosa County Public Schools (CCPS) has launched its second Community Lighthouse Academy, offering community members an inside look at the school district's operations. This program aims to enhance understanding and engagement by covering governance, teaching, student support, operations, and budgeting. Superintendent Chance Nix emphasized the importance of an informed community for school success. The academy includes sessions led by district leaders, allowing participants to ask questions, provide feedback, and tour schools. CCPS is dedicated to transparency and collaboration, aiming to strengthen its educational excellence through community partnership. 

STORY 7:  Floyd GOP Wins Handily As Party Maintains Majorities At The Capitol 

 In Georgia's legislative elections, Democrats failed to reduce Republican majorities in the General Assembly. Republican incumbents like Reps. Katie Dempsey and Eddie Lumsden won by large margins, while Sen. Colton Moore retained his seat. The GOP maintained its 33-23 Senate majority and 101-78 House majority, losing only one seat to an independent. Most incumbents were reelected, often unopposed. Close races occurred in districts with large minority populations, but Republicans generally prevailed. The Senate and House will see new leaders and members, with some Democratic newcomers succeeding retiring incumbents. 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

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Sign off-- 

Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Northwest Georgia News Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.northwestgeorgianews.com 

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